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Washington Poe #8
The Killer's Mark
When Vice Admiral Boyer, RN (retd) died without leaving a will, his estranged daughter inherited his - not inconsiderable - estate. Called home to sort through his belongings, she found an AegisBox - a tamper proof safe within a safe designed to self-destruct if anyone without the code attempts to open it. Unable to walk away without the truth, she uncovered something so horrifying it launched the biggest investigation in the National Crime Agency's history. Five years later, Washington Poe is unwittingly, and unwillingly, sucked into its gravity...
Finally able to escape the authority they railed against, Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are enjoying their new jobs as private detectives or - as the sign on their door says - 'Gumshoes for Hire'. When a teenage girl walks into their office, looking for the mother she long believed to be dead, they agree to take the case. As Poe and Tilly investigate the girl's claims, they find themselves drawn into a murky world of trafficking, pornography and prostitution. Will they be able to help the girl find her mother, or will the dark forces at work, who will stop at nothing to protect themselves, get there first...
Finally able to escape the authority they railed against, Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw are enjoying their new jobs as private detectives or - as the sign on their door says - 'Gumshoes for Hire'. When a teenage girl walks into their office, looking for the mother she long believed to be dead, they agree to take the case. As Poe and Tilly investigate the girl's claims, they find themselves drawn into a murky world of trafficking, pornography and prostitution. Will they be able to help the girl find her mother, or will the dark forces at work, who will stop at nothing to protect themselves, get there first...
469 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2026
About the author
M.W. Craven
50 books3,154 followersM. W. Craven was born in Carlisle but grew up in Newcastle, running away to join the army at the tender age of sixteen. He spent the next ten years travelling the world having fun, leaving in 1995 to complete a degree in social work with specialisms in criminology and substance misuse. Thirty-one years after leaving Cumbria, he returned to take up a probation officer position in Whitehaven, eventually working his way up to chief officer grade. Sixteen years later he took the plunge, accepted redundancy and became a full-time author. He now has entirely different motivations for trying to get inside the minds of criminals . . .
M. W. Craven is married and lives in Carlisle with his wife, Joanne. When he isn’t out with his springer spaniel, or talking nonsense in the pub, he can usually be found at punk gigs and writing festivals up and down the country.
M. W. Craven is married and lives in Carlisle with his wife, Joanne. When he isn’t out with his springer spaniel, or talking nonsense in the pub, he can usually be found at punk gigs and writing festivals up and down the country.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
September 7, 2026
I am always pleased when a new book in the Washington Poe series becomes available. This is a dark, gritty, and intricately constructed thriller by M.W. Craven, who injects humour into each edition. The Killer's Mark is the 8th book in this compelling series. It continues to be a top pick in my favourites. It contains unforeseen twists and unforgettable characters.
For those unfamiliar wth the series, I will write an introduction to the two main detectives. Poe is a glum, sullen detective. He is relentless in his pursuit of criminals. He had a history of breaking police rules and an unmanageable reputation. Poe is dauntless, intuitive, and brave, but exhibits an anger problem. He was suspended from the police force (NCA), but his success in solving crimes forced the department to reluctantly return him to duty. He is loyal and protective of his few friends.
Poe was in an unlikely work partnership with Tilly Bradshaw, who is thought to have Asperger's syndrome. She is highly educated (two PhDs from Oxford) and was living at home with her mother, only venturing out to work. Her conversations with Poe were hilarious and a joy to read. Tilly is a literal thinker, weak in reading emotions, and fails to understand sarcasm and social cues. She is unfiltered in her thoughts, expressing whatever comes to mind. Conversations with others lead to humour or dismay, but Poe is very protective of her. She has extraordinary computer skills.
Poe had been living in a humble, isolated cabin and had few friends. He developed a romantic relationship with Estelle, an abrasive pathologist, and moved into her mansion. The couple seemed very much in love. It is interesting that when Poe was asked the one person he would save in a fire, he replied Tilly without hesitation, indicating the depth of their unique bond.
The first part of the book prompted me to Google British references, slang, photos of various TV personalities and other British celebrities, and locations. The book later became more international in style and scope, and I found it easier to follow. There were some unpleasant and ghastly descriptions.
There were tattoos with the removal of the skin, torture, trafficking of women leading to their murder, prostitution, and theft of funds promised to them, pornography, snuff films, money laundering, and a heart-pounding international crime spree. Chinese triads and criminal gangs in the background.
Poe and Tilly are now in private practice. Their sign says Gumshoes for Hire. They are approached by a fifteen-year-old girl, Esmere. She hires them to find her mother, whom she had believed dead. She was forced to watch a porn video. She saw her masked mother in the film and recognized her by her foot tattoo. The detectives search for a talented tattoo artist responsible for that tattoo. Elmer was rude, crude, and foul-mouthed. She took away time when I wanted to be entertained by Poe/Tilly conversations, not ones between Poe and Esmere. Tilly was by herself, working frantically on a couple of computers, analyzing patterns and developing a plan to consolidate all clues to bring down the triads. and Chinese gang members. Tilly's brilliance helps conclude the story, while Poe faces dangerous threats while bringing the criminals to justice. Esmere remained secretive and untruthful, possibly violent, and with a hidden agenda. She was not to be trusted. I never understood why most of the main characters seemed to adore her, and some even wanted to adopt her. That made no sense to me.
Recommended for fans of the series, and anyone who enjoys a complex, well-crafted, many-layered
mystery.
For those unfamiliar wth the series, I will write an introduction to the two main detectives. Poe is a glum, sullen detective. He is relentless in his pursuit of criminals. He had a history of breaking police rules and an unmanageable reputation. Poe is dauntless, intuitive, and brave, but exhibits an anger problem. He was suspended from the police force (NCA), but his success in solving crimes forced the department to reluctantly return him to duty. He is loyal and protective of his few friends.
Poe was in an unlikely work partnership with Tilly Bradshaw, who is thought to have Asperger's syndrome. She is highly educated (two PhDs from Oxford) and was living at home with her mother, only venturing out to work. Her conversations with Poe were hilarious and a joy to read. Tilly is a literal thinker, weak in reading emotions, and fails to understand sarcasm and social cues. She is unfiltered in her thoughts, expressing whatever comes to mind. Conversations with others lead to humour or dismay, but Poe is very protective of her. She has extraordinary computer skills.
Poe had been living in a humble, isolated cabin and had few friends. He developed a romantic relationship with Estelle, an abrasive pathologist, and moved into her mansion. The couple seemed very much in love. It is interesting that when Poe was asked the one person he would save in a fire, he replied Tilly without hesitation, indicating the depth of their unique bond.
The first part of the book prompted me to Google British references, slang, photos of various TV personalities and other British celebrities, and locations. The book later became more international in style and scope, and I found it easier to follow. There were some unpleasant and ghastly descriptions.
There were tattoos with the removal of the skin, torture, trafficking of women leading to their murder, prostitution, and theft of funds promised to them, pornography, snuff films, money laundering, and a heart-pounding international crime spree. Chinese triads and criminal gangs in the background.
Poe and Tilly are now in private practice. Their sign says Gumshoes for Hire. They are approached by a fifteen-year-old girl, Esmere. She hires them to find her mother, whom she had believed dead. She was forced to watch a porn video. She saw her masked mother in the film and recognized her by her foot tattoo. The detectives search for a talented tattoo artist responsible for that tattoo. Elmer was rude, crude, and foul-mouthed. She took away time when I wanted to be entertained by Poe/Tilly conversations, not ones between Poe and Esmere. Tilly was by herself, working frantically on a couple of computers, analyzing patterns and developing a plan to consolidate all clues to bring down the triads. and Chinese gang members. Tilly's brilliance helps conclude the story, while Poe faces dangerous threats while bringing the criminals to justice. Esmere remained secretive and untruthful, possibly violent, and with a hidden agenda. She was not to be trusted. I never understood why most of the main characters seemed to adore her, and some even wanted to adopt her. That made no sense to me.
Recommended for fans of the series, and anyone who enjoys a complex, well-crafted, many-layered
mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Can you see me happy dancing, clutching Kindle in hand with the arc of the latest Poe and Bradshaw, arguably one of the best crime series out there?
Several years ago, Vice Admiral Boyer dies intestate and his estranged daughter inherits all his considerable estate, including an AegisBox. She opt to open it despite warnings and it’s contents launch the biggest investigation the NCA (National Crime Agency) have ever undertaken. Five years on, Poe unwittingly will be drawn into it.
Poe and Bradshaw are now “ gumshoes for hire” which they run out of Cowie House in Carlisle, although Tilly still uses her not inconsiderable talents for MI5. Currently, they have no cases, partly because Poe rejects 22 as they’re not sufficiently interesting, that is until sixteen year-old Esmerée Blue arrives clutching £90. The story she tells does interest Poe and a paltry £90 exchanges hands. Initially, the search involves looking for Esmerée’s mother Océane but it soon becomes clear. It’s WAY more than that. Very dark forces are at work here, let’s hope our intrepid duo emerge unscathed.
I’m running out of superlatives to describe this incredible series, I quite simply love it and being in the company of Poe, Bradshaw, Estelle et al for a few hours is entertainment of the highest standard. I start laughing right from the beginning with the hilarious descriptions of fellow occupants of Cowie House. MWC is a genius, combining laugh out loud humour (I lose count of the amount of times) with such original descriptions with the darkest jet black plot lines where there’s layers of grit upon grit. This time Poe enters the metaphorical lions den, danger piles on danger, cages aren’t just rattled, they’re positively shaking the doors off. They’re up against the unspeakably cruel and immoral but fret not, there’s Poe’s quick thinking and resilience (with a side order of grumpiness) an even more devastating for those foolish enough to take them on and expect to win, there’s Bradshaw’s incredible brain which is a thing of beauty, speed and unbelievable creativity.
The pace is fast, there are more twists and turns than Lombard Street, there are characters that are larger than life, it’s complex, intelligent and brilliantly written. It’s a thrill from start to finish. I’d like to give a big shout out for Esmerée, like Estelle, I fall in love with her, potty mouth and all. Finally there’s food, lots of food, Poe likes a pie amongst other things generally no good for his health, be sure to tell Estelle he’s had salad.
Overall, if you think Eddie Flynn is clever, you haven’t met Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw, they’re even cleverer, if there is such a word, Tilly will know. FANTASTIC. Five stars all the way and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
With thanks to NetGalley and a huge thank you to Little, Brown Book Group, Constable for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
Several years ago, Vice Admiral Boyer dies intestate and his estranged daughter inherits all his considerable estate, including an AegisBox. She opt to open it despite warnings and it’s contents launch the biggest investigation the NCA (National Crime Agency) have ever undertaken. Five years on, Poe unwittingly will be drawn into it.
Poe and Bradshaw are now “ gumshoes for hire” which they run out of Cowie House in Carlisle, although Tilly still uses her not inconsiderable talents for MI5. Currently, they have no cases, partly because Poe rejects 22 as they’re not sufficiently interesting, that is until sixteen year-old Esmerée Blue arrives clutching £90. The story she tells does interest Poe and a paltry £90 exchanges hands. Initially, the search involves looking for Esmerée’s mother Océane but it soon becomes clear. It’s WAY more than that. Very dark forces are at work here, let’s hope our intrepid duo emerge unscathed.
I’m running out of superlatives to describe this incredible series, I quite simply love it and being in the company of Poe, Bradshaw, Estelle et al for a few hours is entertainment of the highest standard. I start laughing right from the beginning with the hilarious descriptions of fellow occupants of Cowie House. MWC is a genius, combining laugh out loud humour (I lose count of the amount of times) with such original descriptions with the darkest jet black plot lines where there’s layers of grit upon grit. This time Poe enters the metaphorical lions den, danger piles on danger, cages aren’t just rattled, they’re positively shaking the doors off. They’re up against the unspeakably cruel and immoral but fret not, there’s Poe’s quick thinking and resilience (with a side order of grumpiness) an even more devastating for those foolish enough to take them on and expect to win, there’s Bradshaw’s incredible brain which is a thing of beauty, speed and unbelievable creativity.
The pace is fast, there are more twists and turns than Lombard Street, there are characters that are larger than life, it’s complex, intelligent and brilliantly written. It’s a thrill from start to finish. I’d like to give a big shout out for Esmerée, like Estelle, I fall in love with her, potty mouth and all. Finally there’s food, lots of food, Poe likes a pie amongst other things generally no good for his health, be sure to tell Estelle he’s had salad.
Overall, if you think Eddie Flynn is clever, you haven’t met Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw, they’re even cleverer, if there is such a word, Tilly will know. FANTASTIC. Five stars all the way and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
With thanks to NetGalley and a huge thank you to Little, Brown Book Group, Constable for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.
September 1, 2026
Book 8 of the Washington Poe Series
3/5 stars (2.5/5 rounded up)
I was hoping this book would turn the series around after the last two letdowns, but it feels cartoonish. There are still dark aspects, but it loses the gritty edge the series had at the beginning.
The introduction of Esmerée was a major low point. She’s a 15-year-old with Alien Hand Syndrome who is somehow allowed to attend an autopsy. Her behavior felt like a cheap way to mock people and was annoying to read, even if the rest of the cast found her endearing. On top of that, Poe is still obnoxious. This combination of Poe and Esmerée was sarcastic and grating, not darkly funny and hilarious as described by the book blurb and other reviews I've read. Tilly and Estelle constantly griping about what Poe eats is also getting old.
The actual investigation does get interesting, and I liked Tilly's involvement in the outcome.
3/5 stars (2.5/5 rounded up)
I was hoping this book would turn the series around after the last two letdowns, but it feels cartoonish. There are still dark aspects, but it loses the gritty edge the series had at the beginning.
The introduction of Esmerée was a major low point. She’s a 15-year-old with Alien Hand Syndrome who is somehow allowed to attend an autopsy. Her behavior felt like a cheap way to mock people and was annoying to read, even if the rest of the cast found her endearing. On top of that, Poe is still obnoxious. This combination of Poe and Esmerée was sarcastic and grating, not darkly funny and hilarious as described by the book blurb and other reviews I've read. Tilly and Estelle constantly griping about what Poe eats is also getting old.
The actual investigation does get interesting, and I liked Tilly's involvement in the outcome.
August 18, 2026
3.5 stars.
I must admit to feeling gutted about this one! I have loved all of the Poe books and was so excited to read this installment.
This one fell a bit flat for me. I felt it was pretty slow to get going and for quite a lot of the plot you had to suspend your belief a lot. I found the twists and turns a bit tame but I did enjoy the short chapters which made me keep on reading. The end show down felt quite rushed and I feel it didn't have the tension and pace that I've found with all the other books.
I do, however, think that one of the main factors in me not enjoying the book as much I hoped was down to the character of Esmerée. I found her *so* irritating, interrupting conversations all the time and just hurling constant annoying comments at everyone. I have never been more pleased to read that a character has been abducted 🤣. I found it extremely hard to believe that Estelle had such ferocious feelings for her and that the couple wanted to adopt her after only a couple of weeks?
I also found that there was too much focus on what Poe was eating. I know that it's part of his character trope and it's never bothered me in the past, but this book seemed to just go on about it all the time and it got a bit annoying.
I say all this but I will absolutely be reading the 9th book in the series.
I must admit to feeling gutted about this one! I have loved all of the Poe books and was so excited to read this installment.
This one fell a bit flat for me. I felt it was pretty slow to get going and for quite a lot of the plot you had to suspend your belief a lot. I found the twists and turns a bit tame but I did enjoy the short chapters which made me keep on reading. The end show down felt quite rushed and I feel it didn't have the tension and pace that I've found with all the other books.
I do, however, think that one of the main factors in me not enjoying the book as much I hoped was down to the character of Esmerée. I found her *so* irritating, interrupting conversations all the time and just hurling constant annoying comments at everyone. I have never been more pleased to read that a character has been abducted 🤣. I found it extremely hard to believe that Estelle had such ferocious feelings for her and that the couple wanted to adopt her after only a couple of weeks?
I also found that there was too much focus on what Poe was eating. I know that it's part of his character trope and it's never bothered me in the past, but this book seemed to just go on about it all the time and it got a bit annoying.
I say all this but I will absolutely be reading the 9th book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2026
The Killer's Mark — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As enjoyable as the previous books in the series. Tilly's cleverness and Poe's deductive mind make them a great team, and their work as PIs is just as successful as it was when they were with the police. This time, they face a case on an international scale, with one twist after another and an unexpected ending. And the final pages make it clear that there is another book to come. I’m looking forward to it!
As enjoyable as the previous books in the series. Tilly's cleverness and Poe's deductive mind make them a great team, and their work as PIs is just as successful as it was when they were with the police. This time, they face a case on an international scale, with one twist after another and an unexpected ending. And the final pages make it clear that there is another book to come. I’m looking forward to it!
September 13, 2026
This is the book that I left at home while going on a trip to Granada due to weight restrictions. Was kinda difficult but worth the wait nonetheless.
Washington Poe & Mathilda Bradshaw have started a gumshoe business as their own bosses, whereas Tilly still does her thing for the Intelligence services on regular occasion. Which means that their office is as high tech as it comes. And Poe is married to Estelle Doyle and both are mad about eachother.
Enter Wednesday Adams, the girl who does not exist, she makes the most foulmouthed person take a secondlook in sheer amazement. She is the cliënt Tilly and Poe accept, the job finding her mother.
Here is the problem because the girl really does not exist officialy and neither seems her mother.
On the job they encounter the NCA FBI & some Chinese traids. This time both are not protected by the law as they are outside of any official organisation. That makes them dangerous as it possible can.
Poe & Bradshaw have caught a dragon by its tail and this story does not stop surprising you at any time during reading it or in the case of an audiobook listening to it.
Another excellent and exciting new story in this series with Poe & Bradshaw of the official leash. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
The writers' next book will be in the Young Bond universe, fine by me too.
But still not having read every book in this series I'll be looking for some earlier Poe & Bradshaw goodness.
Washington Poe & Mathilda Bradshaw have started a gumshoe business as their own bosses, whereas Tilly still does her thing for the Intelligence services on regular occasion. Which means that their office is as high tech as it comes. And Poe is married to Estelle Doyle and both are mad about eachother.
Enter Wednesday Adams, the girl who does not exist, she makes the most foulmouthed person take a secondlook in sheer amazement. She is the cliënt Tilly and Poe accept, the job finding her mother.
Here is the problem because the girl really does not exist officialy and neither seems her mother.
On the job they encounter the NCA FBI & some Chinese traids. This time both are not protected by the law as they are outside of any official organisation. That makes them dangerous as it possible can.
Poe & Bradshaw have caught a dragon by its tail and this story does not stop surprising you at any time during reading it or in the case of an audiobook listening to it.
Another excellent and exciting new story in this series with Poe & Bradshaw of the official leash. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
The writers' next book will be in the Young Bond universe, fine by me too.
But still not having read every book in this series I'll be looking for some earlier Poe & Bradshaw goodness.
August 23, 2026
Mike Craven's eighth novel featuring Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw is an extremely fast paced thriller, full of snappy prose and short chapters, that I seem to have read it in no time.
Craven has a great sense of humour and interspersed many of the novel's darker moments with some laugh out loud scenes. I enjoyed the plot, but found the lack of a decent main villain disappointing. It's not the author's fault, because the structure of the novel didn't require one.
Although it was good to see Craven moving away from the same formula he has used in previous Poe stories perhaps it was the formula that made me enjoy them so much, and why The Killer's Mark didn't thrill me as much as a Poe book usually does.
Craven has a great sense of humour and interspersed many of the novel's darker moments with some laugh out loud scenes. I enjoyed the plot, but found the lack of a decent main villain disappointing. It's not the author's fault, because the structure of the novel didn't require one.
Although it was good to see Craven moving away from the same formula he has used in previous Poe stories perhaps it was the formula that made me enjoy them so much, and why The Killer's Mark didn't thrill me as much as a Poe book usually does.
August 18, 2026
First time I’ve ever DNF’d a Poe & Tilly thriller, and honestly, I’m amazed I made it as far as I did.
The relentless swearing was bad enough, but the Esmerée character completely killed the book for me. She is so spectacularly cocky, obnoxious and gratuitously insulting that I found myself actively dreading every scene she appeared in.
And the constant insults directed at Poe were particularly painful to read. There’s a difference between writing a traumatised, damaged, difficult young character and writing someone who is simply insufferable. Esmerée crosses that line repeatedly for me.
Yes, childhood trauma can explain why someone might behave like an asshole. It doesn’t magically make an asshole an enjoyable character. At some point, the reader has to actually want to spend time with the people in the book.
I’ve enjoyed the Poe & Tilly books immensely until now, which makes this one even more disappointing. Here’s hoping the next one remembers that compelling characters don’t need to be relentlessly obnoxious to be interesting.
The relentless swearing was bad enough, but the Esmerée character completely killed the book for me. She is so spectacularly cocky, obnoxious and gratuitously insulting that I found myself actively dreading every scene she appeared in.
And the constant insults directed at Poe were particularly painful to read. There’s a difference between writing a traumatised, damaged, difficult young character and writing someone who is simply insufferable. Esmerée crosses that line repeatedly for me.
Yes, childhood trauma can explain why someone might behave like an asshole. It doesn’t magically make an asshole an enjoyable character. At some point, the reader has to actually want to spend time with the people in the book.
I’ve enjoyed the Poe & Tilly books immensely until now, which makes this one even more disappointing. Here’s hoping the next one remembers that compelling characters don’t need to be relentlessly obnoxious to be interesting.
September 7, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — and frankly, I'm running out of stars
There are authors whose new books you look forward to.
Then there are authors whose new books appear and you immediately abandon whatever you were doing, acquire the book and proceed to inhale it like a man who has been trapped underwater for three days.
M. W. Craven is firmly in the second category.
I am a massive fan of the Washington Poe series. At this point, seeing a new Poe and Tilly book released is less of a literary event and more of a medical emergency. I buy it immediately. I don't gently settle down and read it.
I consume it.
And every single time I start one, I have the same thought: "There is absolutely no way this can possibly be better than the last one."
And every single time Mike Craven apparently hears me and says:
"Hold my beer."
Because "The Killer's Mark" is brilliant.
Poe and Tilly are now operating as private investigators — or, as their sign proudly announces, "Gumshoes for Hire" — which is already a magnificent concept. Naturally, it doesn't take long before their quiet new career becomes tangled up in trafficking, pornography, organised crime and people who would really prefer Washington Poe to stop asking inconvenient questions.
Unfortunately for them, that's rather like asking a Labrador to stop being interested in sausages.
Poe and Tilly remain one of my favourite fictional partnerships. Their friendship is the heart of these books. Tilly is terrifyingly intelligent, wonderfully strange and completely incapable of being anyone other than Tilly. Poe is grumpy, instinctive, stubborn and frequently finds himself surrounded by women who appear to have collectively decided that making his life difficult is a perfectly reasonable hobby.
Estelle is a wonderful addition to that chaos, and watching Tilly and Estelle gang up on Poe is worth the price of admission alone.
Poor bastard never stands a chance!!!
And then Craven gives Matt Towler more time on the page.
Now, I already liked Towler.
After this book?
I bloody love him.
At one point I was laughing so hard that my cup of tea came out through my nose.
This was followed by approximately five minutes of coughing, spluttering and desperately attempting to remember how breathing worked while my wife looked increasingly concerned and, I suspect, began considering whether an ambulance might be required.
Honestly, if a book causes a near-death experience involving Earl Grey, that has to count as a positive review.
The humour throughout this book is absolutely superb. Nigel Flowers and the carrot had me laughing out loud, and Towler repeatedly threatens to steal the entire bloody novel.
But this is where Craven is so good.
Because beneath all the laughter is a dark, nasty and genuinely disturbing story. The plot takes Poe and Tilly into some extremely unpleasant corners of humanity, yet somehow Craven manages to balance the horror, tension and humour without turning the book into tonal soup.
I have absolutely no idea how he does it.
The pacing is relentless. The chapters practically shove you into the next one. The plot twists and turns like something trying to escape a sack, and the characters are now so familiar that returning to them feels like meeting old friends.
Old friends who are regularly shot at, threatened, kidnapped or otherwise having an exceptionally bad week.
The only minor issue I had was Esmerée. Her introduction didn't entirely work for me, and some aspects of the character — particularly her involvement in situations where I was thinking, “Surely somebody responsible should be stopping this?” — felt more irritating than amusing.
But honestly?
That is a tiny complaint in a book packed with so much brilliance.
This is Washington Poe #8, and somehow the series is still getting better.
That should not be mathematically possible.
Eight books into most series, the characters are usually beginning to look tired and the author is desperately trying to remember who hasn't been kidnapped yet.
Meanwhile, M. W. Craven is apparently sitting somewhere thinking:
"Right then. How can I make this one even better?"
And then bloody doing it.
"The Killer's Mark" is dark, hilarious, intelligent, brutal, compulsively readable and packed with characters I genuinely love spending time with.
Poe and Tilly remain one of the best partnerships in modern crime fiction.
Towler is magnificent.
Estelle is increasingly wonderful.
And Mike Craven is operating at the absolute top of his game.
My favourite read of the year so far.
Unless, of course, M. W. Craven releases another Washington Poe novel before December.
In which case...
Oh shit. Here we go again.
Five stars... All the stars... And one replacement cup of tea.
There are authors whose new books you look forward to.
Then there are authors whose new books appear and you immediately abandon whatever you were doing, acquire the book and proceed to inhale it like a man who has been trapped underwater for three days.
M. W. Craven is firmly in the second category.
I am a massive fan of the Washington Poe series. At this point, seeing a new Poe and Tilly book released is less of a literary event and more of a medical emergency. I buy it immediately. I don't gently settle down and read it.
I consume it.
And every single time I start one, I have the same thought: "There is absolutely no way this can possibly be better than the last one."
And every single time Mike Craven apparently hears me and says:
"Hold my beer."
Because "The Killer's Mark" is brilliant.
Poe and Tilly are now operating as private investigators — or, as their sign proudly announces, "Gumshoes for Hire" — which is already a magnificent concept. Naturally, it doesn't take long before their quiet new career becomes tangled up in trafficking, pornography, organised crime and people who would really prefer Washington Poe to stop asking inconvenient questions.
Unfortunately for them, that's rather like asking a Labrador to stop being interested in sausages.
Poe and Tilly remain one of my favourite fictional partnerships. Their friendship is the heart of these books. Tilly is terrifyingly intelligent, wonderfully strange and completely incapable of being anyone other than Tilly. Poe is grumpy, instinctive, stubborn and frequently finds himself surrounded by women who appear to have collectively decided that making his life difficult is a perfectly reasonable hobby.
Estelle is a wonderful addition to that chaos, and watching Tilly and Estelle gang up on Poe is worth the price of admission alone.
Poor bastard never stands a chance!!!
And then Craven gives Matt Towler more time on the page.
Now, I already liked Towler.
After this book?
I bloody love him.
At one point I was laughing so hard that my cup of tea came out through my nose.
This was followed by approximately five minutes of coughing, spluttering and desperately attempting to remember how breathing worked while my wife looked increasingly concerned and, I suspect, began considering whether an ambulance might be required.
Honestly, if a book causes a near-death experience involving Earl Grey, that has to count as a positive review.
The humour throughout this book is absolutely superb. Nigel Flowers and the carrot had me laughing out loud, and Towler repeatedly threatens to steal the entire bloody novel.
But this is where Craven is so good.
Because beneath all the laughter is a dark, nasty and genuinely disturbing story. The plot takes Poe and Tilly into some extremely unpleasant corners of humanity, yet somehow Craven manages to balance the horror, tension and humour without turning the book into tonal soup.
I have absolutely no idea how he does it.
The pacing is relentless. The chapters practically shove you into the next one. The plot twists and turns like something trying to escape a sack, and the characters are now so familiar that returning to them feels like meeting old friends.
Old friends who are regularly shot at, threatened, kidnapped or otherwise having an exceptionally bad week.
The only minor issue I had was Esmerée. Her introduction didn't entirely work for me, and some aspects of the character — particularly her involvement in situations where I was thinking, “Surely somebody responsible should be stopping this?” — felt more irritating than amusing.
But honestly?
That is a tiny complaint in a book packed with so much brilliance.
This is Washington Poe #8, and somehow the series is still getting better.
That should not be mathematically possible.
Eight books into most series, the characters are usually beginning to look tired and the author is desperately trying to remember who hasn't been kidnapped yet.
Meanwhile, M. W. Craven is apparently sitting somewhere thinking:
"Right then. How can I make this one even better?"
And then bloody doing it.
"The Killer's Mark" is dark, hilarious, intelligent, brutal, compulsively readable and packed with characters I genuinely love spending time with.
Poe and Tilly remain one of the best partnerships in modern crime fiction.
Towler is magnificent.
Estelle is increasingly wonderful.
And Mike Craven is operating at the absolute top of his game.
My favourite read of the year so far.
Unless, of course, M. W. Craven releases another Washington Poe novel before December.
In which case...
Oh shit. Here we go again.
Five stars... All the stars... And one replacement cup of tea.
July 9, 2026
Only fellow reading addicts will understand the excitement of starting a hugely anticipated book. Settling down, and opening the first page of a MW Craven, is deserving of a fanfare in my opinion.
Tilly Bradshaw and Washington Poe, to give them their Sunday names, find themselves in uncharted territory. (Side note, I love the business cards)
A most unusual case finds them, brought by the magnificently named Esmeree Blue. Just 15, but with an attitude that earns respect from Poe’s scariest of allies; Esmeree is looking for her mum, Oceane.
I know reviewers say this often, but the Tilly and Poe books are one of my favourite series, right up there at the top. The genuine friendship between these two characters is wonderful. I’m sure most readers would love to be part of their Scooby Gang. I love the character name Vincent du Buk. I wonder if Mike is a Strictly Come Dancing fan? As this name could easily belong to the love child of Vincent Simone and Anton du Beke.
I always read the acknowledgements at the end of a book, as this is where you hear the author in their own words. This was one of the most entertaining acknowledgements that I have read, it had me chuckling away, especially the reference to the curling team. It was so niche, very amusing.
As you can tell, I adore this dark and hugely entertaining series, this book could well be my favourite; but that’s as tricky as choosing which is your favourite child. If you are a fan of the series, I hope you will love this book as much as I have. If you haven’t read this series, head to your bookseller and find The Puppet Show immediately. Then sit back and enjoy.
If I could award more than 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to The Killer’s Mark, I absolutely would.
Tilly Bradshaw and Washington Poe, to give them their Sunday names, find themselves in uncharted territory. (Side note, I love the business cards)
A most unusual case finds them, brought by the magnificently named Esmeree Blue. Just 15, but with an attitude that earns respect from Poe’s scariest of allies; Esmeree is looking for her mum, Oceane.
I know reviewers say this often, but the Tilly and Poe books are one of my favourite series, right up there at the top. The genuine friendship between these two characters is wonderful. I’m sure most readers would love to be part of their Scooby Gang. I love the character name Vincent du Buk. I wonder if Mike is a Strictly Come Dancing fan? As this name could easily belong to the love child of Vincent Simone and Anton du Beke.
I always read the acknowledgements at the end of a book, as this is where you hear the author in their own words. This was one of the most entertaining acknowledgements that I have read, it had me chuckling away, especially the reference to the curling team. It was so niche, very amusing.
As you can tell, I adore this dark and hugely entertaining series, this book could well be my favourite; but that’s as tricky as choosing which is your favourite child. If you are a fan of the series, I hope you will love this book as much as I have. If you haven’t read this series, head to your bookseller and find The Puppet Show immediately. Then sit back and enjoy.
If I could award more than 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to The Killer’s Mark, I absolutely would.
September 4, 2026
The storyline of this one is not as interesting as the author’s earlier books and Poe seems simple minded at times. The fist bumps between his wife and Tilly from the last one continue with a lot of cringeworthy dialogue about Poe’s pie eating habits (repetitious, unfunny, and somewhat disrespectful to the vegan Tilly). In previous books Tilly came across as cute, but in the latter stages of this book she seems more of a braggart. The dynamic between them lacked the affection and mutual respect from when they worked together for the police force. Plus the annoying American teenager…!
No, sadly this is a miss for me, but no doubt I will buy the next in the series when it comes out.
No, sadly this is a miss for me, but no doubt I will buy the next in the series when it comes out.
June 28, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
Every time I pick up a new Poe book I always say to myself 'there's no way this can be better the last one' and every single time it is! The genius that is Mike Craven has produced another astonishing story that kept me thoroughly engrossed - the world could have ended and I wouldn't have noticed. This is dark, highly amusing - Nigel Flowers and the carrot had me laughing out loud! Poe and the truly wonderful Tilly find themselves entangled in a world of porn and Chinese triads - how the author keeps coming up with these unique plots is nothing short of brilliant. The pace is relentless, the plot sublime, the characters are so well developed they almost come to life through the pages. Star of the show for me was Towler - loved every single minute of him. This is book 8 and I just cannot find enough superlatives for this author. This is Mike Craven at the very top of his game, and The Killers' Mark is storytelling at the very highest level. My favourite read of the year and unless Mike produces another Poe book before the year is out (a girl can dream!) that's where it is staying. All the stars and a million more for this
Every time I pick up a new Poe book I always say to myself 'there's no way this can be better the last one' and every single time it is! The genius that is Mike Craven has produced another astonishing story that kept me thoroughly engrossed - the world could have ended and I wouldn't have noticed. This is dark, highly amusing - Nigel Flowers and the carrot had me laughing out loud! Poe and the truly wonderful Tilly find themselves entangled in a world of porn and Chinese triads - how the author keeps coming up with these unique plots is nothing short of brilliant. The pace is relentless, the plot sublime, the characters are so well developed they almost come to life through the pages. Star of the show for me was Towler - loved every single minute of him. This is book 8 and I just cannot find enough superlatives for this author. This is Mike Craven at the very top of his game, and The Killers' Mark is storytelling at the very highest level. My favourite read of the year and unless Mike produces another Poe book before the year is out (a girl can dream!) that's where it is staying. All the stars and a million more for this
September 2, 2026
I don't write many reviews these days but this book is a crime fiction masterpiece I won't soon forget. The sheer scope of the brutal, decades long transnational crime spree is a unique and original story. The prose pops with heartfelt dialogue between unforgettable characters operating with insight, courage and wit! Spending time with wonderfully entertaining characters as they struggle for answers is why we read crime fiction, right? Might be the best book I've read in 2026!
Review of advance copy
What a series! This is the 8th book in the Washington Poe/ Tilly Bradshaw series and it's didn't disappoint. The writing is fast paced and I love the interactions between the characters especially Poe and Tilly. They are now private investigators with Tilly still working for the M15 on a contract basis. Estelle and Towler are in the friendship group and are becoming key characters. Poe and Tilly have a new client, a smart, brash, foul mouthed, teenager Esmeree who hires them to find her mother. Its a great story line, with twists and turns that kept me gripped. Everything I would expect but more, and the weaving in of humour amongst the darkness was superbly done. Excellent and brilliantly written, compelling, intense, crime thriller. I absolutely love this series, and can't wait for the next installment with the author hinting at the next case. Fantastic. My favourite crime series by far and yes I am biased. Read from the start its a series too good to miss. An easy 5 stars and I'd give more if i could.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Before you read my thoughts on the latest Washington Poe book, have YOU read this series yet? If the answer is NO.. then STOP reading and download the series because honestly this is one of the BEST crime series with the BEST central characters and the BEST crimes and if you haven’t realised by now, one of my all time favourite series in this genre. If you have read the books, then you will absolutely LOVE the latest book THE KILLER’S MARK which is being published in August 2026.
This is the 8th book in this series and follows on from the previous book The Final Vow and without spoiling anything Poe & Tilly are back, but this time they have set up their own private detective agency carefully picking and vetting the clients they want to work with.. which if you know Poe means they haven’t got any clients at all.
When a teenage girl instructs them to find her mother, the team uncover a disturbing underworld involving trafficking, prostitution and abuse. Delving deep into the pornography world, the dynamic duo have to face things that whilst Poe has probably seen before, his concern about protecting Tilly’s innocence is a joy to read and very, very funny too.
This series stands out from many other crime/legal books due to the incredible relationship between Poe & Tilly. M.W. Craven has the ability to seamlessly blend dark and disturbing themes, gory and gruesome crimes with humour, love and warmth.
I really can’t explain just how happy I am that this series continues to get better and better, that the characters continue to grow and develop, that the crimes and plotlines are clever, twisty and unique and I absolutely can’t wait to read book #9.
This definitely goes into my Top Ten Books of the year and I’m not ashamed to admit to shedding several tears in this book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Books in order:
The Puppet Show (2018)
Black Summer (2019)
The Curator (2020)
Dead Ground (2021)
The Botanist (2022)
The Mercy Chair (2024)
The Final Vow (2025)
The Killer’s Mark (2026)
This is the 8th book in this series and follows on from the previous book The Final Vow and without spoiling anything Poe & Tilly are back, but this time they have set up their own private detective agency carefully picking and vetting the clients they want to work with.. which if you know Poe means they haven’t got any clients at all.
When a teenage girl instructs them to find her mother, the team uncover a disturbing underworld involving trafficking, prostitution and abuse. Delving deep into the pornography world, the dynamic duo have to face things that whilst Poe has probably seen before, his concern about protecting Tilly’s innocence is a joy to read and very, very funny too.
This series stands out from many other crime/legal books due to the incredible relationship between Poe & Tilly. M.W. Craven has the ability to seamlessly blend dark and disturbing themes, gory and gruesome crimes with humour, love and warmth.
I really can’t explain just how happy I am that this series continues to get better and better, that the characters continue to grow and develop, that the crimes and plotlines are clever, twisty and unique and I absolutely can’t wait to read book #9.
This definitely goes into my Top Ten Books of the year and I’m not ashamed to admit to shedding several tears in this book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Books in order:
The Puppet Show (2018)
Black Summer (2019)
The Curator (2020)
Dead Ground (2021)
The Botanist (2022)
The Mercy Chair (2024)
The Final Vow (2025)
The Killer’s Mark (2026)
August 15, 2026
15th August 2026
Despite what Goodreads says, this was not a netgalley review. I hope they update that asap.
Bought on day of publication, finished today. Enjoyed seeing how the story developed and the "Reacheresque" plot was entertaining enough to keep me reading.
Poe and Bradshaw have now left the NCA and are pursuing a new career as freelance vigilantes ( Bradshaw's willingness to destroy the lives of innocent bystanders with the click of a button is particularly disturbing). Not Craven's best work*, there's something "off" in the editing; too much repetition of phrases, too many of Craven's trademark similes and a predictable outcome for one of the protagonists which hints towards their role in future books. There are multiple references to Poe's diet ( will the next book see him recovering from a heart attack I wonder?). The violent set piece that comes half way through didn't strike me as coming from the mind of Craven and it doesn't flow with what comes before and after.
There is a new character that all the ARC readers professed to "love", I found her annoying and two dimensional. I can see why she's there, as a disruptor to Poe & Bradshaw's relationship. But she didn't work for me I'm sorry to say and Estelle Doyle's easy acceptance of her didn't sit well with me.
Fans of Tilly's inappropriate questions will love this (one did make me snort my tea), there are some clever one liners from Poe and the reappearance of some characters from previous stories play a big part in the plot. There's no single bad guy and this isn't a whodunnit although it does have an exceptionally high body count.
The epilogue drops hints about the next book and I'm already wondering who "the client" was.
Worth reading, but definitely start with The Puppet Show and read the books in publication order.
* just as athletes can't achieve a PB in every race, authors also have peaks and troughs in their writing.
Despite what Goodreads says, this was not a netgalley review. I hope they update that asap.
Bought on day of publication, finished today. Enjoyed seeing how the story developed and the "Reacheresque" plot was entertaining enough to keep me reading.
Poe and Bradshaw have now left the NCA and are pursuing a new career as freelance vigilantes ( Bradshaw's willingness to destroy the lives of innocent bystanders with the click of a button is particularly disturbing). Not Craven's best work*, there's something "off" in the editing; too much repetition of phrases, too many of Craven's trademark similes and a predictable outcome for one of the protagonists which hints towards their role in future books. There are multiple references to Poe's diet ( will the next book see him recovering from a heart attack I wonder?). The violent set piece that comes half way through didn't strike me as coming from the mind of Craven and it doesn't flow with what comes before and after.
There is a new character that all the ARC readers professed to "love", I found her annoying and two dimensional. I can see why she's there, as a disruptor to Poe & Bradshaw's relationship. But she didn't work for me I'm sorry to say and Estelle Doyle's easy acceptance of her didn't sit well with me.
Fans of Tilly's inappropriate questions will love this (one did make me snort my tea), there are some clever one liners from Poe and the reappearance of some characters from previous stories play a big part in the plot. There's no single bad guy and this isn't a whodunnit although it does have an exceptionally high body count.
The epilogue drops hints about the next book and I'm already wondering who "the client" was.
Worth reading, but definitely start with The Puppet Show and read the books in publication order.
* just as athletes can't achieve a PB in every race, authors also have peaks and troughs in their writing.
August 22, 2026
Oh yea that was a good one
August 14, 2026
Out of everything over the vast array of genres that I have read over many, many years, there is something about the characters in this book - both the main characters of Poe and Tilly - and the secondary, supporting characters, that I have completely fallen in love with.
The strange thing about this statement is that it does not even take into account the BRILLIANT writing and the unexplanable way that each and every book is so expertly built. This includes both the actual mystery and/or case that is thrown in front of them for them to solve, AND the unique way that you can almost physically FEEL someone actually grabbing you and physically pulling you right into whatever crazy case, event, or catastrophe (sensing a pattern here……?) that we just know is about to happen.
MMC Washington Poe and FMC Tilly Bradshaw are truly one of the most perfect pairs - I want to say throughout all genres, but especially in this genre - (and I am not even sure how to classify the genre). Mystery thriller, suspense, police/murder thrillers, psychological mysteries….who knows? But I have had the genuine pleasure of watching this relationship grow over the last 8 books and just when you think it cannot get any stronger….boom….your heart just grows even bigger.
For those who have never read this series - first of all, stop right now, close this book and go and find book 1 and start from there. I have absolutely no doubts that you will not be sorry. But, finding a way to describe the two of them is difficult. The first thing that comes to mind is oil and water - but that isn’t it either.
Washington Poe is an older gentleman who is honestly one of the best detectives in the UK. But, he is a grump. He is socially awkward (he just doesn’t give a crap about ANYTHING in terms of socially acceptable behavior), he does not work well with others (at least before Tilly) yet he can see things that very few other people can.
Then there is Tilly. Man, I adore her. Tilly, I think, would be classified on the spectrum, but she is beyond intelligent. Her mind is a human computer and she is more intelligent than anyone else. Unfortunately, because she has spent most of her life continually learning and blowing through school, college, and graduate programs (several of them), she is very socially awkward. She did not experience a typical childhood - in fact, she is aware that she is different and knows that she will probably never marry or have children. Breaks my heart. To the point where you sometimes want to wrap her in a hug to try to protect her from all of the mean people in the world…..and there are SO many mean people. As always, part of that behavior from others stems from jealousy, but most of it comes from people who do not understand and who tend to lash out at things that make them feel stupid.
So, Poe and Tilly began working together several books ago - of course, this relationship didn’t happen overnight - and both of these unique people seemed to have found their other half. This is NOT a romantic pairing. It is almost like a father/daughter relationship and watching it grow has been such a blessing to see.
Of course, Tilly has NO filter on what she says, and that tends to get her in trouble. Poe on the other hand will not stand for ANYONE saying rude or disparaging comments to her and the way he defends her is adorable.
Okay, why all the information of these two. Well, because after all of the craziness of the last couple of cases (and the fact that they have come close to losing their lives to the bad guys way too many times to be acceptable), the two of them have decided to forge a path on their own. They have quit the National Crime Services- or whatever the title of the police is in the UK - and have moved into an office as Private Investigator’s (or Gumshoes For Hire….IYKYK). The case they get is a strange one and has to do with a 15 year old girl looking for her mother. I’m not going into spoilers, but I will say this case is definitely not a usual case.
I must admit that this new character tended to get on my nerves quite a bit - she definitely had a mouth on her which I normally wouldn’t care about but at her age, it seemed excessive. She did however very quickly break through the tight knit group that we love and I have a feeling that we will be seeing quite a bit more of her.
This was definitely another winner! The only thing that irritates me is that the book was over WAY too quickly and now I have to wait for Book 9. Bummer :(
The narration was done by John Banks and he knocked it out of the park! Again.
The strange thing about this statement is that it does not even take into account the BRILLIANT writing and the unexplanable way that each and every book is so expertly built. This includes both the actual mystery and/or case that is thrown in front of them for them to solve, AND the unique way that you can almost physically FEEL someone actually grabbing you and physically pulling you right into whatever crazy case, event, or catastrophe (sensing a pattern here……?) that we just know is about to happen.
MMC Washington Poe and FMC Tilly Bradshaw are truly one of the most perfect pairs - I want to say throughout all genres, but especially in this genre - (and I am not even sure how to classify the genre). Mystery thriller, suspense, police/murder thrillers, psychological mysteries….who knows? But I have had the genuine pleasure of watching this relationship grow over the last 8 books and just when you think it cannot get any stronger….boom….your heart just grows even bigger.
For those who have never read this series - first of all, stop right now, close this book and go and find book 1 and start from there. I have absolutely no doubts that you will not be sorry. But, finding a way to describe the two of them is difficult. The first thing that comes to mind is oil and water - but that isn’t it either.
Washington Poe is an older gentleman who is honestly one of the best detectives in the UK. But, he is a grump. He is socially awkward (he just doesn’t give a crap about ANYTHING in terms of socially acceptable behavior), he does not work well with others (at least before Tilly) yet he can see things that very few other people can.
Then there is Tilly. Man, I adore her. Tilly, I think, would be classified on the spectrum, but she is beyond intelligent. Her mind is a human computer and she is more intelligent than anyone else. Unfortunately, because she has spent most of her life continually learning and blowing through school, college, and graduate programs (several of them), she is very socially awkward. She did not experience a typical childhood - in fact, she is aware that she is different and knows that she will probably never marry or have children. Breaks my heart. To the point where you sometimes want to wrap her in a hug to try to protect her from all of the mean people in the world…..and there are SO many mean people. As always, part of that behavior from others stems from jealousy, but most of it comes from people who do not understand and who tend to lash out at things that make them feel stupid.
So, Poe and Tilly began working together several books ago - of course, this relationship didn’t happen overnight - and both of these unique people seemed to have found their other half. This is NOT a romantic pairing. It is almost like a father/daughter relationship and watching it grow has been such a blessing to see.
Of course, Tilly has NO filter on what she says, and that tends to get her in trouble. Poe on the other hand will not stand for ANYONE saying rude or disparaging comments to her and the way he defends her is adorable.
Okay, why all the information of these two. Well, because after all of the craziness of the last couple of cases (and the fact that they have come close to losing their lives to the bad guys way too many times to be acceptable), the two of them have decided to forge a path on their own. They have quit the National Crime Services- or whatever the title of the police is in the UK - and have moved into an office as Private Investigator’s (or Gumshoes For Hire….IYKYK). The case they get is a strange one and has to do with a 15 year old girl looking for her mother. I’m not going into spoilers, but I will say this case is definitely not a usual case.
I must admit that this new character tended to get on my nerves quite a bit - she definitely had a mouth on her which I normally wouldn’t care about but at her age, it seemed excessive. She did however very quickly break through the tight knit group that we love and I have a feeling that we will be seeing quite a bit more of her.
This was definitely another winner! The only thing that irritates me is that the book was over WAY too quickly and now I have to wait for Book 9. Bummer :(
The narration was done by John Banks and he knocked it out of the park! Again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2026
My favourite series!
August 16, 2026
A tad more than a 3 but definitely not a four.
One of my favourite authors but I reckon this could have been tighter and lost 50 pages no problem.
It felt like he was trying too hard and putting way too many references in which were unnecessary to the book.
The early stages, I suspect could actually put some readers off.
End of term report a B minus but promise of improving next year 😂.
One of my favourite authors but I reckon this could have been tighter and lost 50 pages no problem.
It felt like he was trying too hard and putting way too many references in which were unnecessary to the book.
The early stages, I suspect could actually put some readers off.
End of term report a B minus but promise of improving next year 😂.
August 14, 2026
All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com
Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw have turned their backs on the National Crime Agency and have started their own Private Investigation business. They’re gumshoes for hire. Business, however, is…slow. Mostly due to Poe’s complete lack of interest in any of the cases that come their way. That is until Emerée Blue walks through their door. Feisty, fifteen years old, and simmering with anger, she’s looking for her mother. A mother she believed was dead but is very much alive in the adult movie clip she’s just seen. There’s something about the case, and something about Emerée, that brooks no argument. This is a case our intrepid gumshoes will be accepting. A missing persons case quickly spirals into something much, much bigger and much, much darker. With the NCA, FBI, Interpol and Europol all keeping a close eye on proceedings, this could be Tilly and Poe’s most deadly case yet. Because the forces they’re dealing with this time will stop at nothing to protect their own interests…
My favourite book of the year without a shadow of a doubt. Outstandingly good, utterly riveting, and the most gripping storytelling I have experienced in a long time. Wow. The pacing is top-notch with moments of light in amongst the dark (and oh boy, it’s dark). Craven’s laugh-out-loud moments of humour run alongside some of the most unpleasant ways humans can treat one another and it works so incredibly well. The characters are sublime. I can’t help but feel I’ve already shared my thoughts on our lead protagonists, so I’m going to concentrate more on the supporting cast. I completely believed in every single character in the book. They were real people to me. You have Estelle, of course. Poe’s wife. Who, with each book, takes a step closer to the spotlight. I find her so intriguing and I love that the author is working her towards the front of the pack and making her one of the main characters. Then there’s Emerée Blue, who has an instant connection with Poe and Estelle (Tilly understandably takes a little longer to warm to her). She’s fiery, American and quite unfamiliar with how British life rolls. I found her equal parts endearing and equal parts frustrating! But what a character. And I can’t forget Matt Towler, who I first met in another of the author’s series featuring DI Avison Fluke. Towler did make an appearance in this series in the seventh book, The Final Vow, and now he’s back for more bad-ass, gun-totting, fear-inducing threat, and I bloody loved it! The man doesn’t give a monkey’s, and I was cheering him on from the sidelines.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I loved everything about The Killer’s Mark. It’s a thrilling, exhilarating dive into the darkest pits of humanity, and I couldn’t tear myself away from Craven’s beyond excellent storytelling. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Emma is clearly a fan of this series so she’s biased’. If that’s the case, check out the other reviews. Don’t just take my word for it. Everything worked for me in this book and I can’t see another being as good as The Killer’s Mark to knock it off its ‘book of the year’ perch. Good luck trying other books! Superb characters, a twisty, totally compulsive, perfectly paced plot with some truly dark themes running throughout. Craven brings Cumbria and the North East vividly to life for the reader. I’ve never visited, but through these books, I feel I have (in a strange way). All in all, The Killer’s Mark is testament to what a talented writer M.W. Craven is. I would give this book all the stars if I could (why stop at five…?). Nerve-racking, propulsive, irresistible and totally addictive. Beautifully intense but also brilliantly funny throughout. Another crime fiction masterclass. Highly recommended. Don’t mind me, I’m off to Gregg’s for a sausage flat. See you later!
Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw have turned their backs on the National Crime Agency and have started their own Private Investigation business. They’re gumshoes for hire. Business, however, is…slow. Mostly due to Poe’s complete lack of interest in any of the cases that come their way. That is until Emerée Blue walks through their door. Feisty, fifteen years old, and simmering with anger, she’s looking for her mother. A mother she believed was dead but is very much alive in the adult movie clip she’s just seen. There’s something about the case, and something about Emerée, that brooks no argument. This is a case our intrepid gumshoes will be accepting. A missing persons case quickly spirals into something much, much bigger and much, much darker. With the NCA, FBI, Interpol and Europol all keeping a close eye on proceedings, this could be Tilly and Poe’s most deadly case yet. Because the forces they’re dealing with this time will stop at nothing to protect their own interests…
My favourite book of the year without a shadow of a doubt. Outstandingly good, utterly riveting, and the most gripping storytelling I have experienced in a long time. Wow. The pacing is top-notch with moments of light in amongst the dark (and oh boy, it’s dark). Craven’s laugh-out-loud moments of humour run alongside some of the most unpleasant ways humans can treat one another and it works so incredibly well. The characters are sublime. I can’t help but feel I’ve already shared my thoughts on our lead protagonists, so I’m going to concentrate more on the supporting cast. I completely believed in every single character in the book. They were real people to me. You have Estelle, of course. Poe’s wife. Who, with each book, takes a step closer to the spotlight. I find her so intriguing and I love that the author is working her towards the front of the pack and making her one of the main characters. Then there’s Emerée Blue, who has an instant connection with Poe and Estelle (Tilly understandably takes a little longer to warm to her). She’s fiery, American and quite unfamiliar with how British life rolls. I found her equal parts endearing and equal parts frustrating! But what a character. And I can’t forget Matt Towler, who I first met in another of the author’s series featuring DI Avison Fluke. Towler did make an appearance in this series in the seventh book, The Final Vow, and now he’s back for more bad-ass, gun-totting, fear-inducing threat, and I bloody loved it! The man doesn’t give a monkey’s, and I was cheering him on from the sidelines.
Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. I loved everything about The Killer’s Mark. It’s a thrilling, exhilarating dive into the darkest pits of humanity, and I couldn’t tear myself away from Craven’s beyond excellent storytelling. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Emma is clearly a fan of this series so she’s biased’. If that’s the case, check out the other reviews. Don’t just take my word for it. Everything worked for me in this book and I can’t see another being as good as The Killer’s Mark to knock it off its ‘book of the year’ perch. Good luck trying other books! Superb characters, a twisty, totally compulsive, perfectly paced plot with some truly dark themes running throughout. Craven brings Cumbria and the North East vividly to life for the reader. I’ve never visited, but through these books, I feel I have (in a strange way). All in all, The Killer’s Mark is testament to what a talented writer M.W. Craven is. I would give this book all the stars if I could (why stop at five…?). Nerve-racking, propulsive, irresistible and totally addictive. Beautifully intense but also brilliantly funny throughout. Another crime fiction masterclass. Highly recommended. Don’t mind me, I’m off to Gregg’s for a sausage flat. See you later!
August 6, 2026
Thank you to Constable, Little Brown Book Group and M.W. Craven for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of The Killer’s Mark.
From the very first pages I was completely hooked. What’s in the box? Why is this man a monster? And then… five years later?! I wanted answers immediately.
This is the eighth book in the Washington Poe series and, somehow, it still feels fresh. Poe and Tilly remain my favourite detective duo, and one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back is the humour. I genuinely laughed out loud throughout this book. Whether it’s Poe’s brilliantly dry one-liners, the banter between the characters, or Tilly simply being Tilly. Craven has a way of making you laugh in the middle of some incredibly dark subject matter.
One thing I’ve always loved about this series is how much I learn along the way. Craven seamlessly weaves policing, history and fascinating factual details into the story without it ever feeling like an information dump. I always find myself pausing to Google something because he’s sparked my curiosity. I also enjoyed spotting a couple of little nods to fellow authors, which made me smile.
And then… that murder.
Hand on heart, I think this is the first time a murder in a crime novel has genuinely left me sitting there with my mouth hanging open. It wasn’t just the murder itself, it was the cruelty before and after. The broken dreams. The promises that would never be kept. I actually had to put the book down for a minute while my brain tried to compute what on earth I’d just read. I genuinely think it’s one of the darkest and most twisted moments in the entire Washington Poe series.
The Killer’s Mark is a “just one more chapter” book… except one more chapter turned into staying up until 1:30am because I had to know how it ended.
There isn’t much I can say about the plot without spoiling it, and I never want to do that. Discovering everything alongside Poe and Tilly is half the fun.
Speaking of Poe and Tilly… they’re still my favourite detective duo. I loved seeing Tilly and Estelle teaming up against Poe, and Tilly driving a Honda Jazz just felt so perfectly Tilly. 🤭
Another brilliant addition to one of my all-time favourite crime series. Funny, dark, shocking and impossible to put down. And after that ending… let’s just say I’m already desperate for book nine.
From the very first pages I was completely hooked. What’s in the box? Why is this man a monster? And then… five years later?! I wanted answers immediately.
This is the eighth book in the Washington Poe series and, somehow, it still feels fresh. Poe and Tilly remain my favourite detective duo, and one of the biggest reasons I keep coming back is the humour. I genuinely laughed out loud throughout this book. Whether it’s Poe’s brilliantly dry one-liners, the banter between the characters, or Tilly simply being Tilly. Craven has a way of making you laugh in the middle of some incredibly dark subject matter.
One thing I’ve always loved about this series is how much I learn along the way. Craven seamlessly weaves policing, history and fascinating factual details into the story without it ever feeling like an information dump. I always find myself pausing to Google something because he’s sparked my curiosity. I also enjoyed spotting a couple of little nods to fellow authors, which made me smile.
And then… that murder.
Hand on heart, I think this is the first time a murder in a crime novel has genuinely left me sitting there with my mouth hanging open. It wasn’t just the murder itself, it was the cruelty before and after. The broken dreams. The promises that would never be kept. I actually had to put the book down for a minute while my brain tried to compute what on earth I’d just read. I genuinely think it’s one of the darkest and most twisted moments in the entire Washington Poe series.
The Killer’s Mark is a “just one more chapter” book… except one more chapter turned into staying up until 1:30am because I had to know how it ended.
There isn’t much I can say about the plot without spoiling it, and I never want to do that. Discovering everything alongside Poe and Tilly is half the fun.
Speaking of Poe and Tilly… they’re still my favourite detective duo. I loved seeing Tilly and Estelle teaming up against Poe, and Tilly driving a Honda Jazz just felt so perfectly Tilly. 🤭
Another brilliant addition to one of my all-time favourite crime series. Funny, dark, shocking and impossible to put down. And after that ending… let’s just say I’m already desperate for book nine.
June 30, 2026
Several years ago, Vice Admiral Boyer dies intestate, leaving his estranged daughter to inherit a sizeable estate. Among the inheritance is an Aegis Box, accompanied by a warning never to open it. Ignoring the warning, she opens the box anyway, unleashing a chain of events that leads to the biggest investigation the National Crime Agency has ever undertaken.
Five years later, Poe and Tilly no longer work for the NCA. Tilly still undertakes important freelance work for Alastair Locke at MI5, but together they now run their own private investigation company, Gumshoes for Hire, based at Cowie House in Carlisle. Business isn’t exactly booming, though, as Poe has turned down every case that’s come their way. One memorable rejection was because he thought the client looked like Ken Dodd, and joked that he had probably just lost his Diddy Men! (If you’re of a certain generation, you’ll get the reference.) It genuinely made me laugh out loud.
Everything changes when fifteen-year-old Esmeree Blue arrives clutching a wallet. The story she tells them immediately piques Poe’s interest, and Esmeree, who is full of sass, hands him £90 to hire them. She wants them to find her missing mother, Oceane Blue, but it soon becomes clear that this case is going to be anything but straightforward. Before long, Poe and Tilly find themselves caught up in something far bigger than they could ever have imagined. Can they find Oceane and walk away unscathed?
I was so excited to get early access to this book before its release in August, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The author always knows exactly how to entertain. We’re reunited with the characters we’ve all come to love, while also meeting some brilliant new additions who have businesses within Cowie House. What a wonderfully eccentric bunch they are! The descriptions are hilarious, and I could picture every single one of them. One moment I was laughing out loud, and the next I was on the edge of my seat.
I absolutely love this series. This isn’t cosy crime, it’s dark, gritty, and exactly the kind of crime fiction I enjoy. Now that Poe and Tilly are their own bosses, they’re no longer constrained by rules and regulations (although, to be fair, I’m not sure Poe ever paid much attention to those anyway!). Poe has well and truly put himself in the lion’s den this time, facing opponents who are both ruthless and deeply immoral. Thankfully, with Tilly’s incredible brain, Poe’s unique skill set, and his trademark grumpiness, they make a formidable team. The result is a thrilling, addictive read that I was genuinely sad to finish. Now comes the long wait for the next book.
The pace is relentless, with so many twists and turns that you never know what’s coming next. As always, the cast of characters is fantastic. I especially loved Esmeree, her potty mouth had me chuckling more than once, and she was such a refreshing addition to the series. The plot is wonderfully complex and will keep you guessing right to the very end.
And, of course, there is Poe’s food! Plenty of pies and sausage flats make an appearance… although if Estelle asks, Poe definitely had a salad. 😁
This is an easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read, and if I could give it more stars, I absolutely would. It arrived at the perfect time, as I was in a bit of a reading slump, but Poe and Tilly always manage to pull me right back out of one. I can’t wait for next year’s instalment and another adventure with this brilliant duo.
Five years later, Poe and Tilly no longer work for the NCA. Tilly still undertakes important freelance work for Alastair Locke at MI5, but together they now run their own private investigation company, Gumshoes for Hire, based at Cowie House in Carlisle. Business isn’t exactly booming, though, as Poe has turned down every case that’s come their way. One memorable rejection was because he thought the client looked like Ken Dodd, and joked that he had probably just lost his Diddy Men! (If you’re of a certain generation, you’ll get the reference.) It genuinely made me laugh out loud.
Everything changes when fifteen-year-old Esmeree Blue arrives clutching a wallet. The story she tells them immediately piques Poe’s interest, and Esmeree, who is full of sass, hands him £90 to hire them. She wants them to find her missing mother, Oceane Blue, but it soon becomes clear that this case is going to be anything but straightforward. Before long, Poe and Tilly find themselves caught up in something far bigger than they could ever have imagined. Can they find Oceane and walk away unscathed?
I was so excited to get early access to this book before its release in August, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The author always knows exactly how to entertain. We’re reunited with the characters we’ve all come to love, while also meeting some brilliant new additions who have businesses within Cowie House. What a wonderfully eccentric bunch they are! The descriptions are hilarious, and I could picture every single one of them. One moment I was laughing out loud, and the next I was on the edge of my seat.
I absolutely love this series. This isn’t cosy crime, it’s dark, gritty, and exactly the kind of crime fiction I enjoy. Now that Poe and Tilly are their own bosses, they’re no longer constrained by rules and regulations (although, to be fair, I’m not sure Poe ever paid much attention to those anyway!). Poe has well and truly put himself in the lion’s den this time, facing opponents who are both ruthless and deeply immoral. Thankfully, with Tilly’s incredible brain, Poe’s unique skill set, and his trademark grumpiness, they make a formidable team. The result is a thrilling, addictive read that I was genuinely sad to finish. Now comes the long wait for the next book.
The pace is relentless, with so many twists and turns that you never know what’s coming next. As always, the cast of characters is fantastic. I especially loved Esmeree, her potty mouth had me chuckling more than once, and she was such a refreshing addition to the series. The plot is wonderfully complex and will keep you guessing right to the very end.
And, of course, there is Poe’s food! Plenty of pies and sausage flats make an appearance… although if Estelle asks, Poe definitely had a salad. 😁
This is an easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read, and if I could give it more stars, I absolutely would. It arrived at the perfect time, as I was in a bit of a reading slump, but Poe and Tilly always manage to pull me right back out of one. I can’t wait for next year’s instalment and another adventure with this brilliant duo.
August 20, 2026
Every time I get to the end of an MW Craven book I feel bereft! The anticipation of reading a new Poe and Tilly book is huge, will it be as good if not better than the last, is this where like a lot of authors, he goes off the boil? But no, so far this is an upward trajectory. This book was everything I hoped it would be. I will keep telling people about this author and live in hope that one day he might venture further south than London and come to our 'Only Murders in the Library' crime writing event in Basingstoke! It's not too bad down south you know, we have Greggs!!!#sausageflats :-)
September 1, 2026
Well that's another brilliant read in the fantastic Tilly & Poe Series !!
Craven just continues to hit it out of the park !
The storyline is unique, the tension ramps up just enough, the pacing keeps you hooked & the dialogue between the main characters just makes you laugh out loud at times ..
The only problem with reading this within a couple of weeks of release is that there's about 50 weeks to wait until the next instalment ...
Whatever he writes, I'll be ready to read it ..
Craven just continues to hit it out of the park !
The storyline is unique, the tension ramps up just enough, the pacing keeps you hooked & the dialogue between the main characters just makes you laugh out loud at times ..
The only problem with reading this within a couple of weeks of release is that there's about 50 weeks to wait until the next instalment ...
Whatever he writes, I'll be ready to read it ..
August 29, 2026
#4,5
A different scenario from the other books, it may take some time to get used to, and the theme was not something that appeals to me.
But it’s Craven, it’s Poe, and books are always great.
A different scenario from the other books, it may take some time to get used to, and the theme was not something that appeals to me.
But it’s Craven, it’s Poe, and books are always great.
Read
September 4, 2026Review to follow xxx
August 16, 2026
Great to be back with Tilly and Poe. Fantastic story, great humour as always. A couple of scenes that made me squirm. Just as a Craven book should be. Hope its not too long for the next one..
August 20, 2026
One of them where I couldn’t put it down for the last 150 pages!!
September 15, 2026
By far the weakest Poe and Tilly so far. Hope the downward trajectory ends here, but considering the ending I fear it won't.
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